César FRANCK (1822-1890). Autograph music manuscript, Psyché, 1889; 82 fol. pages (35.5 x 27 cm). Precious complete manuscript of Psyché, symphonic poem for orchestra (here in 4-hand piano) and choir, one of Franck's great masterpieces. [FWV 47] This symphonic poem with chorus is divided into three parts. The text (officially by Sicard and Louis de Fourcaud) is in fact by the composer's son, Georges Franck. The argument is taken from Apuleius' Metamorphoses. The beautiful Psyche is abducted in her sleep by the Zephyrs and carried to the gardens of Eros, the god of love, who is to become her husband; but she must not try to see him or find out who he is. One night, she defies the ban; Eros flees, and Psyche is condemned to wander weeping, pursued by the wrath of Aphrodite. But Eros, who has not been able to forget Psyche, forgives her and obtains Zeus' permission to marry the beautiful mortal, giving birth to Voluptuousness. The work was composed rapidly, at the same time as the Sonata for violin and piano, in the summer of 1886 at Combs-la-Ville-Quincy, from August to October. Orchestrated in 1887, Psyché was premiered on March 10, 1888 at the Société Nationale de Musique, Salle Érard, conducted by César Franck himself. The score was published in 1890 by Bruneau, in the present reduction by the author for 4-hand piano and chorus. This manuscript, signed at the end and dated October 28, 1889, was made by Franck for the engraving of the Bruneau edition, in the reduction for piano 4 hands (cotage B. et Cie 166). It is written in black ink on 18 double sheets and 6 single sheets of 16-line Lard-Esnault paper. The symphonic parts are reduced to 4 hands, on systems of four staves; for the sung parts, notated with words on three staves (Sopranos, Altos and Tenors), the accompaniment is notated on two staves. In his manuscript, Franck modified the division of the work into three parts. Part 1. - Le Sommeil de Psyché. Pages 1 to 9; marked Lento. - Psyché kidnapped by the Zephyrs. Pages 9 to 17; marked All° vivo. Part Two. - The gardens of Eros. Pages 17 to 26; marked Poco animato. - S'enchaîne avec le chœur Amour, Amour ..., marqué Lento, pages 27 to 36 (at the top, Franck has crossed out the title: 2ème Partie. Les jardins d'Eros , as well as the 4 introductory bars). - Psyché et Eros. Pages 37 to 50; marked Andantino ma non troppo lento, flowing senza interruzione with the preceding chorus. Part Three. - Chorus: Amour elle a connu ton nom .... Pages 51 to 56; marked Quasi Lento. - Psyché's suffering and complaints. Apotheosis. Pages 57 to 82; marked Lento (at the head of p. 57, Franck has crossed out the indication Troisième Partie ); the chorus Eros a pardonné ... occupies pages 70-74.